When Kawasaki announced in 2016 that it was discontinuing the Z800, it didn’t make a lot of waves. Although the successor to the Z750 had received good reviews for its versatile performance and comfort, it was just four years old and already outshined by other mid-level bikes like the Triumph Street Triple R. As it […]
Category: Trims
The Ford Ranger Raptor Is On Track for Off-Road Success
Since 2010, Ford’s F-150 Raptor has been the apex predator in the world of off-road pickups. From its high-output twin-turbo V6 (or the 720-horsepower supercharged V8 found in the high-performance Raptor R) to the upgraded suspension with FOX internal bypass dampers and rear coil springs, there’s no mistaking the Raptor for any other F-150 model. […]
There’s Nothing Soft About the GMC Acadia AT4
The GMC Acadia’s AT4 trim turns the already-capable SUV into a competent off-road contender. While it might not be able to achieve some of the rock-crawling, dune-bashing feats of off-road strength one might experience behind the wheel of a dedicated body-on-frame adventure rig, it’s still a standout in the crossover class. The advantages of the […]
Exploring the Manual Advantage With the 2025 Honda Civic Si
With the Civic Si, Honda has taken one of the world’s most popular models and infused it with the sort of sportiness that can turn every drive into an edge-of-your-seat experience. It might not be able to reach some of the high-speed heights of the sportiest Civic variant you will find at your Honda dealer, […]
Why the Tundra TRD Pro Is the Top Dog in the TRD Family
Performance enthusiasts will agree that it takes a lot to really impress them, especially when it comes to off-road-ready vehicles. With legends like Jeep and Ford out there, it’s difficult for other automakers to really make a statement in this arena, but over the years, Toyota has come to occupy one of these top spots. […]
The Warlock Rides Again as a 2025 Ram 1500 Trim
If you’re in the market for your next truck, your top priorities are probably going to be practical. You likely want a model that’s dependable, capable, within your price range…all that good stuff. But let’s face it: a good name doesn’t hurt. While it’s not enough to keep an unimpressive truck afloat (remember the Chevrolet […]
How Capable Is the 2025 Chevy Equinox ACTIV?
The SUV is easily the most popular of all vehicles on the marketplace; competition is fierce among the various brands, especially regarding the subcompact and crossover models, which appear to be increasing yearly. For Chevy, one of the most respected brands on the marketplace, this is something they take very seriously, and as such, the […]
How the F-150 Got Its Trims
When you’re shopping for a Ford F-150 these days, you have seemingly countless options available. From high-value options like the XL, STX, and XLT to premium trims like the Lariat, King Ranch, and Platinum to off-road models like the Tremor, Raptor, and Raptor R, there is an F-150 model for everyone. But it wasn’t always […]
The 2024 Dodge Durango Is An Old-School Bruiser
In an era when the label “SUV” often denotes an all-too-civilized family hauler reminiscent of a previous generation’s station wagons, the Dodge Durango stands out as a robust exception. It combines the brawn of an old-school SUV with the performance and attitude of a muscle car. If you’re planning to shop at a Dodge dealer […]
Four Levels of HOSS Suspension Make the Ford Bronco an Off-Road Boss
There are a few prerequisites for any vehicle that’s looking to try its luck on challenging off-road terrain. A little extra ground clearance is essential, as are specialized off-road tires that maximize traction on uneven or loose surfaces, but if there was just one area to focus on, it would have to be the suspension. […]
What’s New on the 2024 F-150 Raptor
Since it burst on the scene in 2010, the F-150 Raptor has turned heads with its brash performance and devil-may-care attitude. In their original review, MotorTrend described it as what happens when hot rodders decide to go off-road racing. For my money, it’s the vehicle that truly spawned the “mainstream super-truck” category of souped-up trucks […]
2025 Ram 1500 RHO: Everything You Need to Know
Some people fear change, others embrace it. I, on the other hand, am somewhere in between. If something is changing, it better have a decent reason to do so, or at the least, provide an outcome that makes you understand the change more than question it further. Innovation is something that constantly raises its head […]
Building a Wild Horse: Which Mustang Performance Options Should You Pick?
As a proud member of a loyal Ford family, my father-in-law surprised me the other day when he called and said, “Don’t let me go to a Ford dealer anytime soon. I had a dream that I bought a new Mustang.” He isn’t the only one dreaming. All eyes are on the iconic Mustang lineup, […]
Tahoe Z71 vs Expedition Timberline: Which Has the Best Blend of Performance?
Off-road enthusiasts who want the power and ruggedness of a truck and more interior space for people, equipment, and luggage often pick the Tahoe Z71. Originally introduced as a special edition for the 2000 model year, the Tahoe Z71 has become a permanent member of the Chevy Tahoe family. As the Tahoe has evolved, so […]
Does the New TrailSport Trim Really Make the Ridgeline Off-Road Ready?
Can you find a truck at your local Honda dealer? Depends on your definition. For some, body-on-frame construction is what separates the trucks from the cars. But if you’re not a purist, you might be willing to admit that for most practical purposes, it’s the presence of an open cargo bed that defines the category. […]
Which Z71 Package Is Right for Your Silverado 2500 HD?
For more than 35 years, the Z71—whether as an optional package or a trim level—has given Chevy trucks and SUVs an off-roading shot in the arm. By tweaking the suspension, adding underbody production, and even giving the driver advanced assistance features, Chevy makes it easier for drivers to tackle the terrain that gets their adrenaline […]
Is the GMC Canyon the Trimflation Fighter We Need?
With so many packages and trims to choose from, today’s midsize pickups are nothing if not customizable. These options make it easier than ever to build the one-of-a-kind pickup of your dreams, but there’s only one problem: it’s not going to come cheap. Once you factor in all the added equipment, it’s not unusual for […]
Which 2024 Toyota Tacoma TRD Is Right for You?
The redesigned 2024 Toyota Tacoma has taken this iconic midsize pickup to all-new heights, especially when it comes to its already-impressive off-road capabilities. In fact, no fewer than five of the eight available trims are performance-focused, catering to a broad spectrum of truck enthusiasts. While the 2023 Tacoma offered the TRD Sport, TRD Off-Road, and […]
The Chevy Colorado’s Off-Road Trims: Trail Boss, Z71, and ZR2
When you’re browsing your local Chevy dealer for a dedicated off-road partner, it’s hard to do better than the Chevy Colorado. This midsize pickup combines the raw power of Chevy’s award-winning Silverado 1500 with the practicality of a smaller truck—a formula that’s perfect for any driver looking to explore the road less paved. The Colorado’s […]
The High-Performance History of the Ford ST Badge
If you’ve ever gone to your local Ford dealer and asked about getting something sporty, there’s a good chance you’ve heard about or seen the letters “ST.” Attached to a variety of Fords over the past three decades, the ST has become synonymous with added performance and style in the automotive community; we’re personally fond […]